13 years ago
Tue May 04 2010, 07:37pm
I wrote to Isobelle Carmody about writing, publishing, agents, etc, and she replied, and asked if I could post my question and her reply on ober.
So, yeah. I'm putting it on here.
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Hi Isobelle!
I am a huge fan of your Obernewtyn Series, and I am in the midst of reading Darkfall right now. I am a fellow obernetter, and I read your Big 4 Interview. You are true inspiration.
My name is Emily and I am 15 years old, and I have been writing books for about a year, now. I have 4 non-edited (but finished) books, and three in the making, although I am in the midst of editing one of my finished books right now. What you said, about how you'd been working on one book since you were 14, I was awe-struck. I don't know how to take that long in writing, haha.
...I'm getting sidetracked here...sorry if this email is dull for you. :P
Anyway. I've begun searching for a list of agents. A list, because I've read all of the warnings that it can take a long time, and a lot of agents before you find one that wants you. You see, I want to get my work published. The few people that have read my stories - teachers, family, friends, and fellow obernetters - have loved my work and asked if my work is published. I found that I really do love writing, and that it is my escape from the world and reality – besides reading, of course – and that I really do want to pursue this. I wanted to ask if you knew of any agents. I live in Australia.
Also, I thought I should get someone else’s opinion. I was wondering what you think I should do, because as much as I want to get my work published, I’ve heard a few horror stories, especially about what happens to those who get faulty agents/publishers. I’ve also heard that it can take years to get an agent, and your work published, which, in a way, makes me want to start searching now. But also, I want to know if it would affect my schooling, school work, etc. I’ll be going into Year 10 next year, when everything gets much more serious.
I am sorry for any inconvenience, and I hope all is well for you and your family.
From,
Emily.
Dear Emily,
thank you for your kind words, and it was not at all boring to read your letter. Agent wise my problem is that I never had one, also I have to say that I have seldom met one I liked. Margaret Connolly is the exception. However all agents, the big ones, are as hard to get to as publishing houses, especially if you are new at the game of publication. You can imagine how many emails and offerings they get each day. Then many publishers will not look at unsolicitored manuscripts. My advice is to try coming through a different door, especially given that you are young and have plenty of time. I would certainly focus on school right now, and when I wrote anything, I would focus on short fiction. It can be first submitted to school for various classwork, and then it can be entered into short story competitions. A good way to amass a book is to write a series of related stories, which can then be used to apply for a mentorship- something you are more likely to acheive having written and won or have even been a runner up in short story competitions. Another thing you can do, once you have some material, or with one of those unedited ms you have, is to apply and pay to attend one of those day long workshops where you sumbit your work and get matched with an actual editor of a real publisher. They are expensive and it would be better to wait until you have the time to really pursue what they tell you- after school is finished. If they like your work and you, they will keep an eye on you and when you have finished something, you will be able to send it to them directly. You can also get a lot of information from them about who might be interested in what you are writing. Another thing you can do is to send a finished ms to one of the awards offered for first manuscripts. Text does one, but there are many, I believe. I don't know the names offhand but being a cyber idiot I would just google 'first novel awards in Australia', and 'short story competitions in Australia'. Winning short story awards is a much more direct and positive approach than trying to get an agent, in my opinion. Frankly, if you want one, you will be better able to get a good one, once you have a publisher interested, but of course you will not need them as much then. Certainly, you can join the ASA and they have a service that will look at a contract for you, for a small amount of money. You ought also to offer your short fiction for publication, whether or not you are paid, as again, this will be seen. and it is good practice. Another good thing is to attend occasions like the wonderful Reading Matters Conference at the State Library in Victoria and CBC events, where you will hear writers and editors speak, be able to do workshops with writers and have the opportunity to meet publishing house personnel and make connections- DO NOT carry a ms about with you in case you meet someone influential. I say this as a joke because surely only a fool would do so. It is the nightmare of every editor and publisher ( and published writer) to have a ms thrust at you at some occasion. By making contact, I mean literally that- and hopefully if you are sensible and not pushy, and interesting, they will remember you if you write asking if you can send a ms. I wonder if you would mind posting your questions and my reply to you on the Obernewtyn website. I have had many many emails and letters obver the years, asking me this question, and it might help others with similar talent and interest in getting published.
warm regards and good luck with your writing
isobelle carmody
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Tell me what you think? ... Don't know what else to say now. :nod:
xo FantasyLover.
Mystic Ward
13 years ago
Mystic Ward
Twentyfamilies Gypsy
Thata great FL. well done indeed and thanks to Isobelle for some great advice.
13 years ago
Tue May 04 2010, 08:03pm
Congratilations Fantasy Lover: ;D That's awesome. You should be very proud, as your efforts are rewarded. IC has certainly given some excellent advice to us young writers and I really think that you (FL) and other Obernetters should follow these suggestions and see where they lead you. ;P But, school should definately be first priority as IC mentioned and maybe continue to write the short stories as IC mentioned. Us Obernetters will definately continue to give you feedback on your writing you submit on this site and use this feedback to get you far into the publishing industry. (L)
EDIT: FantasyLover I think you should PM Min to ask her to put this up on the home page as the answers IC gives would help lots of other Obernetters.
13 years ago
Fri May 07 2010, 12:07am
No problem guys, and thanks for the congrats!! Heh, this is the second thread I've ever made, and the fact that this one is being so widely advertised makes me feel all special because...well, yeah. Heh, anyway...I hope Isobelle's advice helps, as it has definately helped me.
Edit: I admit, I nearly had a heart attack when a: I sent the letter, and b: when I got a reply. I was so excited I was jumping up and down...I was very happy. :D
wow fantasy lover that is s awesome. I have attempted to write to Isobelle several times but have been afraid my letters wont be good enough... even theb I have no idea where to send them. Good on you for actually writing to her, it must feel amazing to get such a detailed, thought out response!
Does IC respond quickly to her letters or is she bombarded with fan's letters and it takes a while for her to respond to them.
FL I would of been jumping up and down too.
Mystic Ward
13 years ago
Wed May 05 2010, 10:36pm
Mystic Ward
Twentyfamilies Gypsy
The two letters I've had from Isobelle arrived not long after I sent mine. Keep in mind that Penguin have to send them on to her wherever in the world she might be at the time.
Thanks for that Deb. :D It seems that IC is a quick responder.
Oooooooh, don't you just love her? :-" IC is the best. Thanks for posting this up here, FL, the information is so hopeful and different to the advice I usually get. ;D And thanks for the links Paperwings!
Dreamweavers' Guilden
13 years ago
Dreamweavers' Guilden
Rebel
That is so fantastic FL! I once sent a letter off to Tamora Pierce, asking the same sorts of things, but never got anything back. Maybe I should try IC instead?
Thanks for the advice Paperwings! those comps are worth looking into :)
Wow FL! I have been recently thinking about sending a letter to IC because the place my book is set in just happens to be Apollo Bay {it was a coincidence I swear :P). You pipped me to the post! ;P
Nah I'm joking, I will send my own letter anyway. And actually it was good that you sent one first because it gave me the courage I need to send one off. I will get on to that as soon as I can... so it might take a while. :P Damn rl. :(